The Transgender and Gender Diverse Wellness and Equity Program aims to provide comprehensive, lifesaving, and medically necessary gender-affirming care to transgender, gender diverse, and LGBTQ+ people throughout the state of Illinois. This new statewide program will include training for healthcare professionals; a learning collaborative for providers to discuss challenges and successes; and a resource hub containing information about policies and procedures, tips for ensuring care which affirms each individual’s identity, and guidance on addressing discrimination, stigma, and harassment. PHIMC serves as lead grantee for this program, which is funded by Illinois Department of Human Services.
On February 1, 2024, a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) was released for providers of gender-affirming care.
Bidders’ Conference Recording
Click here to download the slides from the Bidders’ Conference
The following answers to NOFO questions were updated on February 29, 2024
Click each link to see the questions and answers in that category.
Application Writing
Can organizations apply for multiple funding categories? Ex. Capacity building and Healthcare Specialist.
Organizations may apply for multiple funding categories. Should an organization apply for multiple categories in the same region, please submit one application that contains the program plan and budget for each category. If applying for multiple categories that are in different regions, please submit separate applications, one per region.
Have the capacity concerns of grassroots and/or Black orgs, been considered when designing the capacity element of this NOFO?
IDHS and PHIMC have tried to be thoughtful about the capacity of grassroots organizations in the structure of this funding opportunity, and want to be able to provide as much support for grassroots and/or Black organizations as possible.
Are there any mechanisms that are in place to afford an equitable opportunity to this grant for smaller orgs, who possess the cultural competency to do this work, but may not have the resources to be able to hire a grant writer?
Awards will be determined based on the content of the proposal, including questions about how the organization engages with and uplifts the voice of the target population and what diversity, equity, and inclusion policies applicants have in place, and in some cases, require that all applicants work in the geographic boundaries of the communities they intend to serve. PHIMC also promotes equity by simplifying the process as much as possible, hosting bidder’s conferences, and providing technical assistance throughout the grant application process. These practices reduce common barriers smaller organizations with fewer resources face in grant writing.
Will slides be made available to attendees post-bidders conference?
Slides and the recording of the Bidders’ Conference are posted on PHIMC’s website.
Are attachments counted in the total page count?
Attachments are not included in page limits.
There is a chart on pages 12 and 13. Are the charts on page 12/13 of the NOFO intended to be completed separately for organization leadership/staff and clients?
The chart on page 12 is to describe the demographics of the clients that the applicant serves. The chart on page 13 describes the demographics for the organization’s leadership, including the Board of Directors, senior leadership, and management, using the table in the application.
If we are planning to request ongoing capacity support, but have a project we’d like to do that is “one-time”, can we include that in the primary request or would it be preferable for it to be isolated in the one-capacity building category?
Please include one-time projects in Capacity Building- One Funding.
If our plan is to expand a service model from one clinic to multiple clinics in the same region and one in another region, do we need to submit two proposals?
Organizations should apply for funds within the Regions they wish to deliver services. Organizations may apply to deliver services in more than one region but a separate application must be submitted for each region in which the applicant wishes to provide services.
For the resumes and certifications that are to be submitted as supporting documents, do you want resumes and certifications for ALL staff or just program managers? For example, if asking for funding for training 25+ staff, do you want all 25+ staff resumes and certifications or only those of the manager that would oversee the grant project?
Please only provide resumes and certificates for those personnel or positions specifically named in the staffing plan.
Is the entire demographic data chart to equal 100% (dispersing percentages into each race/ethnicity and breaking down by the other columns showing the breakdown across all race/ethnicities) OR is each line (race/ethnicity) to equal 100%, showing the breakdown just by race/ethnicity?
PHIMC wants to learn more about the overall demographics of key client populations served by organizations and the overall demographics of the organizations leadership. The entire chart is to equal 100%.
Are Letters of Support needed with the application?
No, Letters of Support are not needed.
Could you please confirm that the information provided on the demographics of our board and leadership will not be shared publicly and is only used for the application itself and not in any other way?
Demographic information provided is for use by PHIMC and our reviewers in the NOFO review process. All reviewers sign confidentiality agreements. PHIMC will not publicly publish the demographic information of any applicant organizations.
Our organization does not track demographics for every program we offer to the LGBTQ+ community. Direct services with intakes are where we have the highest amount of information. Would it be preferred for us to enter the average estimates into the chart or to mark unknown and break out information per program?
PHIMC understands that demographic information is not always widely available across all programs or easily aggregated in the format we are requesting. As such, estimates are welcomed.
Eligibility
Is the grant program designed for professional healthcare providers only?
Applicant organizations may be local health departments, community-based organizations, universities, school districts, individual schools, federally qualified health centers, and other not-for-profit organizations, including volunteer or religious organizations, that effectively engage TGD/LGBTQ+ populations in Illinois
Are non-profit hospital systems eligible to apply based on the established criteria?
Applicants must be public or private, not-for-profit community-based organizations subject to 26 U.S.C. 501 (c) 3, or similar not-for-profit organizations in good standing with the State of Illinois. Failure to provide the requested information as outlined herein to demonstrate these criteria are met will result in the application being removed from funding consideration. Applicant organizations may be local health departments, community-based organizations, universities, school districts, individual schools, federally qualified health centers, and other not-for-profit organizations, including volunteer or religious organizations, that effectively engage TGD/LGBTQ+ populations in Illinois.
Clarification: While the eligibility criteria clearly outlines health departments and FQHCs as eligible organizations, it remains vague about hospitals and academic health centers. If not-for-profit hospitals and/or academic health centers meet the requirement of being a not-for-profit organization subject to 26 U.S.C. 501 (c) 3 and are in good standing with the State of Illinois, are they eligible?
Yes, non-profit hospitals or academic health centers that are subject to 26 U.S.C. 501 (c) 3 and are in good standing with the State of Illinois are eligible to apply and receive funding.
Funding
Do applicants need to submit three distinct budgets for each of the three funding opportunities, or is a single budget sufficient for all three opportunities?
The budget template allows for organizations who are applying for multiple categories within the same region to submit one budget that contains each opportunity. Please use the drop down list in the Category column to indicate which funding opportunity the line items applies. If organizations are applying for multiple regions, please submit separate applications and budgets per region.
If awarded will continued funding from July 1, 2024-May 31, 2025 be the same amount as the initial three month award? I.e. if we are awarded 60k initially we would only be eligible for 60k for second term. Or, will there be an opportunity to scale funding in proportion to the length of grant period to a higher $ amount?
Applicants should apply for what they can spend between March 15, 2024 and June 30, 2024 and then what the realistic cost is that can be spent between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025 to continue. If applying for funding for Capacity Building: Continuous Funding and/or Healthcare Navigation Specialists, please submit two budgets, one for the timeframe of March 15, 2024 to June 30, 2024 and a second estimating expenses for the timeframe of July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. If applying for Capacity Building: One-Time Funding, please only submit expenses for March 15, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Is there any intention to consider additional years of funding beyond June 2025?
Funding beyond June 2024 is subject to appropriation.
Would an allocation of more than 30% of the budget for one-time capacity building funding be deemed acceptable?
An allocation of more than 30% of the budget may be used for the one-time capacity building funding as long as it is justifiable, reasonable, and doesn’t exceed the total funded amount.
Which expenses are excluded from this funding designated for capacity?
Unallowable costs: Please refer to 2 CFR 200 – Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, PART 200 Subpart E – Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs. In addition, and specific to this grant, the following costs will be unallowable without specific prior written approval from IDHS: Entertainment costs, except where specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment have a programmatic purpose and are authorized in the approved budget (2 CFR 200.438) Capital expenditures for general purpose equipment, including any vehicle regardless of cost, buildings, and land (2 CFR 200.439) Capital expenditures for improvements to land, buildings, or equipment which materially increase their value or useful life (2 CFR 200.439) Food, and other goods or services for personal use of the grantee’s employees, contractors, or consultants of the grantee unless authorized as per diem under the State of Illinois Governor’s Travel Control Board (2 CFR 200.445). Deposits for items, services, or space.
Is the total listed for the region for all three funding allocation lines? So is $120,000 for Region 4 the TOTAL budget or just per agency?
The total listed for each region is the maximum budget that an organization may apply for in that region. Depending on the region in which applications are submitted for, it may also be the estimated total amount of funding available in that region. PHIMC estimates awarding the following number of organizations in each region should every organization apply for the maximum funding allowed:
Region 1 — three organizations
Region 2 — two organizations
Region 3 — 1 organizations
Region 4 — 1 organizations
Region 5 — 1 organizations
It is important to note that organizations do not need to apply for the maximum amount of funding allowed should it not be desired.
Will organizations be required to outline a plan for sustained operations beyond the conclusion of the grant period? Specifically, regarding the hiring of a new staff member, is there an expectation of ongoing funding beyond June 2025, or will organizations need to independently support this hire after the grant period?
The NOFO does not require organizations to outline a plan for sustained continuation beyond the conclusion of the grant period. Continued grant funding beyond June 2024 is subject to appropriation. After grant funding has ended, organizations will need to independently support hired staff.
Are school district 501(c)3 foundations eligible to apply as a fiscal agent for the school district?
The answer as to who can apply is in the NOFO in Section 6, which indicates the following: Applicant organizations may be local health departments, community-based organizations, universities, school districts, individual schools, federally qualified health centers, and other not-for-profit organizations, including volunteer or religious organizations, that effectively engage TGD/LGBTQ+ populations in Illinois. If an organization is not a 501(3), but has a fiscal client/agent relationship, yes they are eligible to apply, however; the application would be in the name of the 501(3) agency with the fiscal client listed as well.
Can the initial funding from March to June highlight building capacity and then implementation occur starting June 30th?
Funding from March to June, 2024 may be used to ramp up activities that will be implemented starting July 1st, as long as it aligns with the funding category, is justifiable, reasonable, and doesn’t exceed the total funded amount.
Do organizations need to submit the FY25 GATA ICQ, or just FY24?
The most current GATA ICQ is all that is needed.
Does the maximum amount of funding that agencies may apply to in each region represent the total amount for both grant periods (FY24 and FY25)?
The maximum amount of funding is per year. If applying for funding for Capacity Building: Continuous Funding and/or Healthcare Navigation Specialists, please submit two budgets, one for the timeframe of March 15, 2024, to June 30, 2024, and a second estimating expenses for the timeframe of July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Applicants should apply for what they are able to spend in the first fiscal year, March 15 through June 30, 2024, and then apply for the realistic cost for what can be spent in the second fiscal year, July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, for the program to continue.
For continuous funding, is the total amount requested just for the period that ends June 30, 2024, or does that maximum include the non-competitive one-year renewal?
The total requested amount is for each fiscal year. Please submit a budget for activities to take place in FY24 and then a separate realistic budget for the program to continue in FY25.
Would the funding include lost revenue for time spent in trainings?
Funding may not include lost revenue for time spent in trainings.
Can you provide more details about the reimbursement model?
The reimbursement model is all allowable costs expended for the program and should be submitted in the following month. No amounts in excess of the budget or not budgeted will be reimbursed so organizations should be sure to follow their approved budget.
Is it likely there will be a one-year renewal once the initial contract period ends?
Additional funding after June 2024 is subject to appropriation.
In the NOFO, it states that successful applicants will provide PHIMC with monthly reimbursement vouchers due on the 10th of each month. Our finance department closes their books on the 10th working day of each month, usually having the books closed by the 14th. Is there any leniency with submitting reimbursement vouchers for the months of the awarded grant or any other solution to this issue?
There is no leniency with the 10th working day of each month as PHIMC must submit all costs to IDHS by the 15th of the month. If the charges, for that month are not included they can be submitted for the next monthly reimbursement.
For the Capacity Building – One Time Funding can a large portion of the funds be used for marketing/outreach?
Yes, Capacity Building- One Time Funding can be used for marketing and outreach.
Confirming one-time capacity-building funds should be included in the proposal with the coordinating region and in total even if we propose all three sections we cannot request beyond the listed amount per region.
The total listed for each region is the maximum budget that an organization may apply for in that region and is inclusive of all three funding categories.
Region 1 — $230,000
Region 2 — $185,000
Region 3 — $170,000
Region 4 — $120,000
Region 5 — $150,000
Can you share a little more detail about what the estimated turn-around time would be for receiving reimbursement? Also, what do grantees need to submit for this process – e.g. just an accounting of the expenses, actual proof of payment, etc.?
As this is a reimbursable contract with the State of Illinois – all timely submitted vouchers are paid within five days of receiving reimbursement from the State. The State reimbursement process is usually 45 – 60 days.
The grantee will submit an invoice (template will be provided) with all supporting documentation (including payment) signed-off and approved by the appropriate personnel.
Can mileage for staff working as the navigator or continuous capacity building role be included in the budget expense?
Yes, mileage is an allowable cost.
If we are collaborating with outside of our organization entity do we include them as a consultant, under our staffing, or something different?
They would be included in your budget under the Consultant line. The applicant must have a procurement policy in place regarding the selection of consultants (i.e. bidding).
Are there guarantees involved in the reimbursement process; in the event that PHIMC has a reimbursement delayed by the state, will subgrantee reimbursements also be delayed?
Should the state reimbursement process be delayed to PHIMC the delay would also extend to the subgrantee. PHIMC will make every effort possible to work with the state in receiving payment within the state’s normal payment guidelines.
Would transportation resources for clients to get programming and direct services be categorized under travel or miscellaneous?
Travel resources for clients should be listed as miscellaneous.
Would the distribution of one-time financial assistance be under miscellaneous or another budget category?
There should be no direct financial assistance paid directly to clients. Services related to culturally competent gender affirming care including social, psychological, behavioral, and medical interventions can be paid directly to a vendor providing those services. These services should be listed under miscellaneous.
How would stipends for the following types of activities be categorized: Behavioral Health master’s degree trainees working directly with clients and leaders of peer-support groups or educational presentations for clients?
When paying anyone a fee for providing a service, it’s taxable to the recipient as compensation. If the expense is for training, categorize it under training.
If applying in Region 1, would the first budget 3.15.24-6.30.24 and second budget from 7.1.24-6.30.25 be a maximum of 230,000 combined or would it be 230,000 max per budget?
The maximum amounts provided are per grant year. For example, if applying in Region 1, the maximum amount of funding an organization can apply for between March 15, 2024, to June 30, 2024, is $230,000, and the maximum amount of funding an organization and apply for between July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 is $230,000.
Region 1 — $230,000
Region 2 — $185,000
Region 3 — $170,000
Region 4 — $120,000
Region 5 — $150,000
Would you also be able to elaborate more on what is considered an allowable expense under Grant Exclusive Line Item(s)?
This line item is set by IDHS and currently, there are no grant exclusive expenses.
Is it allowable to purchase hygiene products or toiletries for clients under this grant?
Hygiene products for toiletries for clients can be included in the budget if it is justifiable cost related to culturally competent gender affirming care including social, psychological, behavioral, and medical interventions
Are there allowable expenses for the distribution of gift cards?
Gift cards are a form of direct financial assistance and therefore are not allowable.
Program Activities
Are you expecting multiple agencies to conduct capacity building training and technical assistance differently across multiple regions? Thinking of evaluation concerns.
PHIMC expects that organizations will apply for and conduct capacity building activities based on the needs of their community. PHIMC will work with funded organizations to determine relevant and feasible evaluation. PHIMC-sponsored capacity building trainings have pre-established evaluations.
What does “capacity” entail within the scope of this grant?
Capacity for this grant is the expansion of any existing program and/or services or the creation of programs and/or services to provide gender affirming care for the TGD/LGBTQ+ community.
I’m curious about the expectations for implementing programs or expanding programming between March and June. Is it anticipated that all project activities will occur within this timeframe, or are planning activities considered acceptable during the initial four months?
For organizations that are applying for either Capacity Building: Continuous Funding or Healthcare Navigation Specialist, please describe all planned activities that will fulfill grant scopes for each fiscal year, i.e.. Activities to take place from March 15 – June 30, 2024, and activities that will take place from July 1st, 2024 through June 30, 2025. It is expected that organizations will have planning activities or activities to ramp up programs during the first four months.
We are currently developing a mental health program for our BIPOC TGNC constituent base. Is this a program that would be considered under the capacity building continuous funding program?
Yes, mental health programs will be considered for Capacity Building: Continuous Funding.
For ongoing capacity building: which staff need to participate in the internal POP training (the four 90-minute modules)?
It is strongly recommended that all patient-facing staff be trained in the internal POP Affirming Care training.
If an organization’s application for healthcare navigation specialist funding is not successful, would there be a chance for the organization’s case manager to partake in the training and receive resources?
At this time there is no plan to extend the community health worker training resources outside of funded organizations.
Does training in connection with the grant include training on HRT (hormone replacement therapy) and/or surgery (how to asses, how to document/ write these letters, who is able to write these)?
PHIMC-sponsored training does not include training on providing hormone replacement therapy or surgery. However, organizations may apply for funds to receive this training as part of their application.
How often would organizations be reporting back on measurable goals/outcomes?
Organizations funded for Capacity Building: Continuous Funding and Healthcare Navigation Specialist will complete quarterly reports using a template that PHIMC provides. Organizations funded for Capacity Building: One Time Funding will complete a close out report by July 15, 2024.
Can the funds be used for trainings or the hiring of consultants to provide trainings to increase knowledge/expertise within the agency serving this community?
Yes, funds from this grant may be used for trainings to increase knowledge and expertise within the organization.
Can the budget include the cost for a staff member to travel to Springfield for the required training?
Yes, please include travel costs to attend the POP Two Day Summit in Springfield in your budget.
Will PHIMC provide us with additional funds to cover travel and lodging to/from Springfield for this training? Or can we include this expense in our budget?
Please include travel costs to attend the POP Two Day Summit in Springfield in your budget.
Is there a pre-set schedule for the required trainings and meetings?
PHIMC will work with awarded sub-grantees to identify dates and times.
What are the specifics of the social media posting requirement?
The social media posting requirement applies to organizations funded for Capacity Building- Continuous Funding and/or Healthcare Navigation Specialists. Organizations will be expected to participate in a communications and outreach plan specific to the TGD Wellness and Equity Program. Implementation of the plan may include creating weekly posts on social media. Those organizations who do not currently have social media accounts will be required to establish a presence on social media and post in alignment with the communications plan.
Reach of Services
We have a statewide presence comprising multiple health centers that deliver gender-affirming care; we have at least one health center located in each of the five Regions outlined in the NOFO. If we were to apply for funding to support a Healthcare Navigation Specialist, would their work be restricted to the region in which we applied? Or would they be able to perform statewide patient navigation services?
Whether a funded Healthcare Navigation Specialist would be able to perform statewide patient navigation services will be decided based on the Project Proposal and Design described in the submitted application. PHIMC anticipates funding a minimum of one organization in each Region to employ a Healthcare Navigation Specialist.
Can you tell us more about the target audience this NOFO would like the capacity building TA/training exposed to?
Applicant organizations may be local health departments, community-based organizations, universities, school districts, individual schools, federally qualified health centers, and other not-for-profit organizations, including volunteer or religious organizations, that effectively engage TGD/LGBTQ+ populations in Illinois.
Can one organization be awarded across multiple regions with one application for capacity building? If so, what is the ceiling for funding?
Organizations may apply to deliver services in more than one region but a separate application must be submitted for each region in which the applicant wishes to provide services.
Region 1 — $230,000.00
Region 2 — $185,000.00
Region 3 — $170,000.00
Region 4 — $120,000.00
Region 5 — $150,000.00
Are funds for this grant only to be used for patients who are Illinois residents? Given the current climate patients from neighboring states have come to us for care.
As there is limited funding available, organizations are encouraged to prioritize activities that meet the needs of the people within their region, and to make every effort to utilize these funds for Illinois residents.
Is there an age range for the population served?
There is no age range for the population served.
If an agency applied for the funding for the Healthcare Navigation Specialist, would they be required to provide service to the whole region or would an application be considered to provide for their community (i.e. county), as long as the application outlined this?
Organizations can apply to serve the whole region or a smaller geographic area within the region. However, organizations may be asked to consider how to serve people who travel for care.
Learn more here or download the full NOFO.
